Kilosa

Six 1.2MW grid-connected solar PV plants will provide 6,000 Tanzanians with energy access for the first time, and improve the existing connections of a further 70,000 people.

Providing first-time clean energy access to 6,000 people in one of Tanzania’s most underserved regions will be just one of the Kilosa project’s major benefits.

Currently, around three in four households in the central-eastern Morogoro Region, which includes the Kilosa District, are not connected to electricity in any form. Now, project developer Ruaha Energy is plan­ning to build six 1.2MW solar PV grid-connected power plants spread out across the 15,000km2 district.

Once built, the small utility-scale facilities will deliver much-needed addi­tional power to the local grid, which frequently suffers from outages and power fluctuations, and provide improved energy access to more than 70,000 people.

The construction phase of the project will create employment opportunities for villagers and improve the local infrastructure, including upgraded roads and a better electricity supply to the local hospitals and school.

During operation, between 1.5-5% of project revenues will be contributed di­rectly towards a community fund, managed by the Kilosa District Council. At the same time, villagers involved in the construction and operation of the power plant will be upskilled in areas such as solar PV sales and invoicing, construction and maintenance, increasing their future job prospects.

The Kilosa facilities will be developed under Tanzania’s Small Power Project regime, which aims to facilitate private sector investment in energy provision.

Funding structure

We have been working with the CAMCO/REPP team to develop a portfolio of grid-connected solar photovoltaic projects. The support and suggestions we have received from them have been invaluable as we develop and roll out our strategy.